Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Picking Between Markers, part 2 - Copic

Oh I'm going to have so much fun papercrafting today! Usually I come up to Seattle each spring for the SakuraCon Anime Convention and teach Copic workshops, but this year I was too busy so everyone else went instead. I love Seattle and I really missed all my Anime friends, but I'm getting to play with stampers, so it all works out.

The first marker type I'd like to explain is the original Copic Marker.

For those of you who want a firm, fine point while coloring, the ability to airbrush, or don't want to refill right away then the Original Copic Marker is for you.

Original Copic Markers were the first style created by Japan over 25 years ago. They are most popular for Architects, product designers, calligraphers, Quilters, and for papercrafting. These durable markers have not changed since they first came out many years ago. Some artists have kept the same marker for over 20 years!

These markers feature a square body design, come in 216 colors, and have the option of 9 different tips. If you don't like the standard fine or broad tips then swap them out for calligraphy tips, a brush tip, super fine tip, round nib, or any of the other custom nibs.

What does all this mean? The original Copic Marker is the most customizable. You can get an empty marker and mix your own inks to get exactly the color you want, as well as the tips you need.

I use these when I have a larger area that I want to color smoothly, and I also need to fill in fine details. One feature people like is that when you take a cap off it can stick on the other side, (you can't do this with a sketch, but you can with a Ciao) and the color number is printed on the cap (not Ciao). The Fine nib is also much easier to write with than the Super Brush tip found on Sketch or Ciao markers. So if you think you'll be doing a lot of journaling with the markers instead of inking pens, then the original Copic marker is for you.

8 comments:

Thanks so much for the info. Just to let you know, cryogen white and Stampin Up's whisper or shimmer white are the same paper. We have been using the new memento inks and copic sketch markers and I love them, you can NOT make that black ink run on the cryogen paper, haven not tried other paper with these markers yet. cut card stock has the best prices for retail on the cryogen white paper that we have found and service is awesome. Karen

How can you claim that your alcohol based markers are acid free on most surfaces???

The dye are suspended in alcohol and contain acid, therefore it cannot be acid free.Saying its acid free when it dries is a bit misleading, copic markers are alcohol based therefore contain acid.If I use them on the basis of your acid free claim and it ruins my work, to whom to I complain?

thank you for posting this! i just got my first copic markers for a christmas gift. i got some of each type and then paniced a bit about the smaller brush tip on the original markers. i didnt know you could place the larger brush tips in them instead. how wonderful!Anj Mirage

About Me

I am the North American Product Director for Copic Markers, working at Imagination International, Inc. I have written 4 books on coloring with Copics in conjunction with Colleen Schaan. I used to design stamps for Our Craft Lounge. The things I post on this blog are my personal opinions or techniques I have come across over the years- I will try to give credit where credit is due. These ramblings do not necessarily reflect the general opinions of Copic Markers/Imagination International Inc.
my direct e-mail is marianne@copicmarker.com

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Copic Glossary

ABS/Airbrush System- Copic Airbrush System. Works with either a compressor or Copic aircans. Uses either Sketch or Copic Markers. 1234TroubleshootingAlcohol Markers- Copic markers are alcohol (ethanol) based dye markers, that are known for being low-odor and giving smooth, vibrant colors. Since they are a dye, they will fade in bright lights, but they are acid free on most surfaces. Anything with alcohol in it will react with these inks. Any Copic marker type is refillable with replaceable tips. They will not cause paper to pill when going over it many times, nor will they dissolve photocopies.

Color Saturation- This is the first digit on a color name. Colors that are 00's, 10's, or 20's will be more vibrant (B05, G16, R29), while colors that are in the 70's, 80's or 90's have more gray added (B95, BG78, G94) and are closer to the neutral/earthy end of the color spectrum. Note: E (Earth) markers don't necessarily follow this rule.

Color Group- A sequential group of colors within one color family with the same first digit (i.e. E30, E31, E33, E34, E35, E37, E39) where numbers ending in 0 are the lightest and 9 is the darkest, also called Natural Blending Group

Copic Certification- These are classes for teachers, store owners, or designers who want to learn techniques and advanced tips on using Copic markers, Airbrushing, etc. for papercrafting. Each class is about 7 hrs, and will be held regionally. Check here for listings of upcoming classes.

Spica Glitter Pens - also called atyou Spica pens. These fun, pigment based pens are filled with micro glass flakes, giving a very subtle, elegant sparkle. Keep stored flat, though if they are giving you troubles, try storing them point down overnite.

Various Ink- Also called Refill Ink or Re-inkers. Each bottle holds 25 cc's of ink. 322 colors available, empty bottle for mixing custom colors also available. Great for making alcohol ink effects, such as Faux Stone or covering large areas. When you see streaking in your work it's time to refill. You can refill directly from your bottle of ink, or you can use a booster needle. Try not to overfill.For refilling dry markers:Ciao- add 1 to 1.5 cc's ink Sketch- 2 cc's Copic 2-3 cc's Wide 3-4 cc's

Using this site for Classes

The content from each post is intended as tutorials and directions as well as useful information. If you would like to use these tutorials in a workshop you are more than welcome to, just give credit to this blog site and other suppliers mentioned in each post.

Thank You!

Marianne

Color Disclaimer

Colors on the screen do not match colors printed in color charts, and neither will match the marker colors in real life. To get a feel of what the colors will look like it's best if you get an actual color swatch.

To request a printed color chart, general catalog, Stamping with Copic Brochure, or Airbrushing with Copic Brochure you can e-mail orders@copicmarker.com (remember, printed charts aren't accurate)

Save a tree, get it digital!For digital copies of the above brochures please look through the Copic Library. Don't see what you need? e-mail me at marianne@copicmarker.com

Check the library also for refilling guides, airbrushing set-ups, and other useful literature.

Click here to purchase your favorite Copic Products

Books by Marianne Walker

These books are stand alone guides for anyone who wants to learn more tricks for coloring with their markers. All images to color are in the back of the book, along with color charts and guides. Each book is printed in English and Español SRP $9.95

Shadows & Shading: A beginner's guide to lighting placementThis book is for teaching you where to accurately put shadows and highlights when coloring with any medium. Includes clear lighting guides to help you plan where to place your shadows & highlights. Distributed by Copic/Imagination International, Inc.